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Correct. Here’s a pro-tip that also applies at work, when you email your manager: make it as easy as possible for the person to help you. If you ask for an intr
by alain94040 3y ago
Correct. Here’s a pro-tip that also applies at work, when you email your manager: make it as easy as possible for the person to help you. If you ask for an intro to someone, write an email that is ready to be forwarded, as is, and already has all the context that the person you are trying to reach would need. So manager or relation just has to hit forward, type a little note to their contact at the beginning of the email, and they are done.
- ketzo 3y agoI used to feel kind of queasy about this strategy -- writing what you want someone else to send, and basically just asking them to cosign it -- but it is both shockingly effective, and usually kind of a relief to the person you're asking.
- genmud 3y agoWhen I do this I always preface it with, "hey here is an example of what you could send... feel free to copy-pasta or ask in whatever way you want". That way it isn't as icky feeling.
- mooreds 3y agoYes! Make sure it is clear that it is a helpful suggestion and not the exact text you need. You are also helping them by reminding them of exactly what skills you want or what you bring to the table, which may jog additional details loose in their memory.
- MattGaiser 3y agoI’ve written virtually every reference letter I have ever received for myself. And I was asked to do so. Usually within 5 minutes they acknowledge receipt and send it.
- JohnFen 3y agoYes, this. I have written literally every letter of recommendation I've had myself, because every time I've asked for one, the answer was "write it up and I'll review and sign it."
- xtracto 3y agoI learned it from an early age while I was finishing my BSc: I needed some "referral" letters from professors that I have worked with. They all told me to write something in Word, print it and they would sign it (it was back in 2001).
- singleshot_ 3y agoA tip to stack on the tip you provided: you know you’re going to need these references down the road, so ask for them when your peak performance is fresh in your professor’s mind. Throw them in a folder and pull them out when you suddenly need a reference.
- glitchc 3y agoNah, that doesn't work. Most reference collection mechanisms are online now and require the professor's email to generate a fresh referral at the time of application. This is to prevent fraud of course, which became very prevalent.
- tough 3y agoSounds like a great problem looking for a blockchain solution. The prof signs it once, you keep it forever.
- singleshot_ 3y agoIt may not work well for you; I cannot dispute that. This methodology works (very well) for me. Perhaps I do not submit references to people who think I am lying directly to their face, or perhaps you have tried this in a low-trust environment where it was not allowed.
- glitchc 3y agoWow, snark much? I assume you are young. Once you graduate and start working in your chosen field, those reference letters will be out of date in a few years, as propective employers don't give a hoot as to how well you did in your 2nd year data structures course. If it's for grad school, then it will be as I said in the vast majority of cases: A direct request soliciting feedback to the faculty member based on credentials you provide.
- HeyLaughingBoy 3y agoLike anything else, you get more traction if you make it easy for the other person.